Mississippi House Bill HB116

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Advertising Fund; use portion of monies in to advertise state parks.

Impact

The enactment of HB116 is expected to strengthen state-level tourism initiatives by ensuring that state parks receive dedicated promotional efforts. This amendment will enhance the MDA's ability to allocate financial resources effectively to market Mississippi's natural resources and outdoor attractions, potentially increasing both visitation and economic activity within the tourism sector. By specifically earmarking funds for state parks, the bill addresses concerns over the visibility and marketing of these areas, which play a significant role in attracting visitors and boosting local economies.

Summary

House Bill 116 seeks to amend Section 57-1-64 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 concerning the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). The bill aims to allocate a portion of the funds from the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Advertising Fund specifically for advertising and promotional materials related to Mississippi state parks. The MDA is tasked with selling advertising and tourism promotional information and entering into agreements with tourism associations to promote tourism in the state. The bill specifies that at least ten percent of the costs incurred for advertising must be dedicated to state parks, reflecting a focus on enhancing park visibility and promoting outdoor recreational activities.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the distribution and management of the advertising funds within the MDA and whether the ten percent allocation for state parks is sufficient to meet the marketing needs of these facilities. Some stakeholders could argue that more robust funding or different allocation methodologies might be required to effectively promote all tourism assets in the state, not just state parks. Additionally, the effectiveness of the MDA's promotional strategies could be scrutinized, and questions may arise regarding accountability in how these funds are spent in relation to actual tourism outcomes.